The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has made a promise to teachers that the lawmakers will create new laws to enhance education in the state.
Sarkindaji made this announcement during the 2023 World Teachers Day celebration in Minna. The theme of the event was “The Teachers We Need For Education We Want: The Global Imperative To Reverse Teacher Shortage.”
He explained that these laws will focus on improving the welfare of teachers. Currently, there is a belief that teachers will only receive their rewards in heaven, which has negatively impacted the quality of education.
Sarkindaji stated, “Instead of just talking about improving teachers’ welfare, let’s actually give them their rewards here on earth. This is the only way we can enhance the standard of education in our country. Governments at all levels must prioritize the welfare of teachers in our education system. World Teachers Day should be celebrated as an important day alongside Independence Day.”
The Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) had previously expressed concerns about the mass exodus of qualified teachers from the state. This exodus was attributed to poor pay, inadequate welfare and teaching materials, and deteriorating educational infrastructure.
The Chairman of the NUT in the state, Comrade Akayago Adamu Mohammed, revealed that even though the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) approved the Teachers Salary Structure for teachers nationwide ten years ago, only 8% and 2% of the structure have been implemented for professional and non-professional teachers in Niger State.
Furthermore, the agreed-upon minimum wage of N30,000 has not been fully and properly implemented for secondary school teachers in the state.
